After breakfast we head to the National Park gate for the necessary formalities before beginning our trek. The trail climbs through a tropical rain forest, near the upper edge of the forest line (keep an eye out for blue monkeys). The trail then widens to expose beautiful hillsides until we reach Mandara Hut.

• Elevation: 6,046 ft to 8,858 ft
• Distance: 8 km
• Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest

Our second day on the trail begins with a steep, but not technical ascent through forest and opens into high moorland. If weather allows, we may get our first views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks, two of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro.

• Elevation: 8,858 ft to 12,205 ft
• Distance: 12 km
• Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
• Habitat: Heath

This will be a short day but rather a steep rocky and dusty trails. It's a slow hike with plenty of breaks and enough time to acclimatize. Most of the route is rather bare of vegetation providing little shade from heat. You will cross many ridges and see the first of many Senecias.

Meals: B,L,D
Accommodation: Budget camping

Today we climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach our campsite which sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once at camp we rest, enjoy dinner and prepare for the next day.

• Elevation: 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft
• Distance: 10 km
• Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Leaving very early in the morning (around midnight), we continue our way to the summit in hopes of catching the sunrise. The trail is a series of switchbacks up a steep scree slope, with climbers stretched into the darkness, visible only by headlamps. It is important to focus on breathing and foot placement. The views from the summit are dramatic and immense. After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut.

• Elevation: 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft
• Distance: 22 km
• Hiking Time: 10-13 hours
• Habitat: Arctic

A long trek is in store for today, however it is mostly downhill. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate we pick up our certificates that prove our achievement. Vehicle transfer to hotel for a celebration

• Elevation: 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
• Distance: 20 km
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest